Dennis Dean Dieringer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Dennis Dean Dieringer of Social Circle, Georgia, has been gathered up into the loving embrace of Jesus Christ. On Friday, October 28th--after a sudden downturn in health--Dennis completed his earthly pilgrimage and was carried into the presence of the Lord. Dr. Dieringer was two weeks shy of his 74th birthday.

Dennis is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Joyce (nee Mohler). On August 19th, Dennis and Joyce celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Together, Dennis and Joyce have three grown children: Andrea (Jeff) Sorrow, residing in Kingsport, Tennessee; Aaron (Jamie), residing in Mota Lava Island, Vanuatu, South Pacific; and Danny (Jamesha), residing in Columbus, Georgia.

Dennis was the proud and adoring grandpa and baby hog to nine grandchildren: Liberty and Gideon (Andrea); Sadie, Akela, Waverly, and Vigo (Aaron); and Addie Quinn, Dietrich, and Tessa Joy (Danny).

"Denny" was born to Robert and Gladys (nee Hundley) in Celina, Ohio, on November 14, 1948. Alongside older brother, Rick, and younger brother, Tadd (Anita), both of Ohio, Dennis grew up in St. Marys, Ohio.

Dennis was an active youth who enjoyed athletic pursuits. In addition to playing numerous sports, Dennis was a varsity quarterback for three years at St. Marys High School.

Dennis became a follower of Jesus Christ as a young teen. Soon after his conversion he began to recognize that the Lord was leading him to full-time ministry. He began his pre-seminary studies at Cedarville College (now University) in Cedarville, Ohio, where a friend introduced his lovely younger sister, Joyce, to Dennis. A lifelong romance began to blossom.  A year into Dennis' graduate studies at Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana, he and Joyce were married in Litchfield, Ohio.

As a student, Dennis was active in ministry. During his time at Cedarville, Dennis was involved in prison and other evangelistic ministries. While in seminary, he served as youth pastor at Calvary (formerly Community) Baptist Church, in Winamac, Indiana. He later served as Associate Pastor at Shoaf Park Baptist Church, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Dennis went on to complete his Masters of Divinity. After graduating, God allowed Dennis to pastor two churches. The first was Fresno Bible Church, in Fresno, Ohio, and the second was Anchor Baptist Church, of Seville, Florida.

After thirteen years in the pastorate, God changed directions for Dennis and brought him to Luther Rice College and Seminary, where he completed his Doctorate of Ministry. Having distinguished himself as a very capable Bible teacher, "Dr. D" was invited to join the faculty at Luther Rice. Dennis pursued this new direction from the Lord with all his heart. He subsequently served faithfully for nearly forty years in several positions, including professor of Bible and Theology and many varied administrative roles. Even after retiring at 70, Dr. Dieringer continued to teach as an adjunct professor. Dennis' passion was teaching the Word of God, whether it be in the classroom or within the church.

In his retirement, Dennis remained active in ministry. He served as an elder at Anchor Fellowship Church, and also enjoyed traveling to other Christian universities and seminaries as an auditor, serving on accreditation teams.

Dennis was a caring and considerate man. He was often soft-spoken, but anyone who knew him well knew he was the consummate jokester. He is widely remembered for his wry sense of humor accompanied by a straight face or subtle, sly smile. One of his greatest traits was his ability to artfully intertwine levity with more somber, serious discussions. After all, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff” was his motto.

Dennis was a zealous reader. He kept a huge library! Aside from being a champion bargain hunter, he also loved watching sports. In the spring, it was the Cincinnati Reds, and in the fall, The Ohio State University Buckeyes reigned supreme. One of his purest joys was getting lost on backcountry roads on his motorcycle with Joyce hugging on tight behind.

All of these passions paled in comparison to the brightness of his love and fidelity to his cherished wife, Joyce. Dennis' exemplary faithfulness to his wife, family and his first love--his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ--is self-evident, and will be his enduring legacy. Despite decades of chronic underlying health conditions, Dennis reveled in God's constant provision of grace. In his weakness, Jesus was strong. Full of confidence in his Savior, Dennis finished his race well. The prize he longed for is now his--to rest against Jesus, who he loved and who loved him.

As a former pastoral student recently noted of Dennis, "He is now with the One he taught about and loved."

The family welcomes you to come and celebrate the life and ministry of Dr. D on Friday, November 4, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Conyers, Georgia; visitation will begin at 10am and the service will follow at 11am. The service will also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUabWdRhj_g.

Dennis was passionate about missions. In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to the missionary or Christian ministry of your choice.